A Veterans Celebration: A Day We Won’t Forget
November 8 was one of those days that started busy and just never slowed down—in the best possible way. From the moment we opened the doors in the morning, there was this steady hum of energy, people weaving in and out, conversations happening everywhere, and a feeling that something really special was taking shape.
We kicked things off with our Mental Health and Community Resource Fair, hosted together with the Miami, Shelby and Darke County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Almost twenty community partners set up tables, each one offering something different but equally important. And honestly, the turnout blew us away. It was the best attendance we’ve ever had, and we owe a lot of that to the Piqua Center’s 2nd Saturday Craft Event happening just steps away. Folks wandered in after browsing the craft booths, curious about what was going on, and many of them ended up leaving with resources or connections they didn’t even know existed. Watching that happen over and over felt like the whole point of hosting the fair in the first place.
All the while, we had our own informational table over at the craft event from 10 to 4, which kept us just as busy. It felt like we were everywhere at once—and in a way, we were.
By the time evening rolled around, we were tired in that good, satisfied way that means the day already felt like a success. But the party was just getting started. At 5:30, we opened the doors for our Veteran Celebration.
Olive Garden absolutely knocked dinner out of the park. General Manager Jodi not only drove the food over herself, she stayed to help cut the lasagna and make sure the pasta was perfectly sauced. The whole spread—lasagna, spaghetti marinara, alfredo, salad, breadsticks—was such a hit.
And then came the cake, which still makes us smile just thinking about it. Dobos Delights Bake Shop donated a cake that could have been on the cover of a magazine. Cindy and her team always show up for us, whether we need a gorgeous cake for a big event or just cookies for Santa’s Sweet Shop, and this time was no exception.
And then, just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, it did. The team from Return to Base, a nonprofit based in Sidney that supports veterans and first responders as they transition back into civilian life, stopped by in the middle of their own fundraising event. They walked in with a check for $10,500—our largest single donation ever—and for a minute all any of us could do was stare. Then the tears came. It was one of those moments you don’t forget, the kind that reminds you why you do the work in the first place.
Before the band took the stage, we took a moment to do something that felt especially meaningful. Throughout the year, local craftsman Michael McEldowney has been quietly donating these gorgeous handmade wooden branch plaques to us — each one crafted with so much care you can practically feel the hours of work in them. We’ve been saving them for just the right occasion, and this felt like the perfect moment. We presented a plaque to one member of each branch who was with us that night, and even though it only took a few minutes, it added this soft, emotional note to the whole evening. The veterans who received them were touched, the crowd was all smiles, and for a moment the whole room felt like one big family gathered around the same kitchen table. It was simple, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of moment that makes these events stick with you long after you go home.
After dinner, the music kicked off with Six Miles East, fronted by veteran spouse JayLynn, and they were every bit as amazing as we hoped. If you’ve never heard them before, you’re in for such a treat. Their set swung from country and southern rock to pop and classic hits, and somehow every song fit the room just right. They have some serious stage chops too—they’ve opened for artists like Aaron Tippin, Craig Morgan, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Diamond Rio, and more. And next year they’re set to open for Whey Jennings, grandson of Waylon Jennings, which tells you everything you need to know about the level they’re operating at. It was one of those performances where you look around the room and everyone is tapping a foot, humming along, or outright singing, which is exactly the kind of energy we wanted for the night.
We ended the evening surrounded by friends, partners, volunteers, and veterans, all of us a little tired, a little emotional, and completely grateful. The Piqua Center once again let us use their huge space for free and helped make the whole day possible, from the afternoon resource fair to the evening celebration.
It was a day full of connection, surprises, good food, good music, and a whole lot of heart. And honestly? We can’t wait to do it again.